How can I tell if something is real gold?

An easy way to tell if something that looks like gold is real or not is to test its malleability. Gold is a soft metal and is easily bent and dented. That is why old westerns show someone biting into a gold coin to see if it is real. Though there are different karats, all gold is generally soft.

The easiest way to tell if something is real gold is to take it to your local jeweler. They will be able to tell you if your gold is real or fake and what karat weight it is. They may even offer to buy it from you!

Most real gold items have a mark on them somewhere indicating the amount of gold. It may say something like "10 Karat" or just a "10". You are more likely to find these marks on rings, chains and bracelets. If you still aren't sure you can take your jewelery to a local jeweler to get it appraised.